Really, there almost isn’t a point in posting a stand alone June blog post after my run down of the days of crazy. June is always busy but with Ken in charge of a major project at work that kept us near home and cancelled most of our exciting and travel required plans… not so much on the spontaneous and crazy. You can read all about the crazy days HERE, and the new baby in the house HERE.

In fact, June is VERY photo heavy what with the new pet in the house. So there is an additional MOMO post to follow this one HERE.

Of course Neko-chan still got love.

We did get back on our walk to the YMCA for morning programming and swimming, etc routine. The twins are too old for club (in fact, Emanuel is on the verge of too old himself) but the other 3 are finding it entertaining. We added run club on Thursdays during the day for the oldest 2 (hopefully they will run a 5K or 2 by the end of summer) and dance Friday nights for Miss Echo.

Hanging with mom before they head off for active time

Walking in the rain

We had multiple outings. Of course one was to the beach.

We had a fun time on a cool and windy day at a park with the Schwartz boys.

A picnic at another park by a lake with ANOTHER family of Schwartz origins.

Celebrated Father’s Day.

Lots of time spent in the front yard in the sun.

Many many walks.

A tattoo – you can read all about that HERE. As well as our busy June celebrations HERE.

We crafted.

We schooled.

We gardened.

We enjoyed life, June seems to have been a month of joy. It is nice to look back at it as the temperatures drop.

Well, moving right along! August is a few things – Echo’s birthday (HERE), full on summer, this year a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Mike (HERE). Sunshine and walks to the YMCA with a little school mixed in. August is always a balance of sunshine and activity.

We had full on track and field fun for Zander. I was lucky enough to make it to one of his meets. He may not be fast but he really has some stamina. And he LOVED it.

We spent as much time, if not more, at the YMCA. I am amazed at our ability to do that 2 mile one way walk, 3 hours at the YMCA and then walk back. There is some grumbling and arguments, but we did it and for the most part we ENJOYED it.

We visited the beach.

Hung out at parks.

We tried out the new YMCA facilities at Forest Lake, which included a lazy river!

Went to ANOTHER YMCA in Shoreview with our YMCA buddies who live down the road from us to try out the outdoor pool complete with diving board.

Zander

Gavin

We continued our swimming lessons AND our time at our local YMCA pool, of course.

We had the Schwartz family over to celebrate Echo’s birthday.

Spent time in the pool in our own yard.

I snuck in crafting time as much as I could.

And Echo played in the rain.

We learned about the Summer Olympics.

And FINALLY moved our large and gorgeous Narnia cabinet into the classroom.

Cousin Robbie came for a visit on his new bike.

We gamed with Aunty Shandai and Uncle Ravyn.

And I tried my hand at some baking.

Even our garden… well the cucumbers… are flourishing.

Some schooling AND school planning even occurred. Sometimes in fancy dress!

We made this summer COUNT and I am so proud of us for it! So enjoy our August while I ready September. The year is coming to a close and I am ACTUALLY catching up!!

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